City hires new SRO prospect

Clarksville Times Photo by Lou Antonelli

New officer and prospective SRO Brian Cobb (center) is welcomed to the Clarksville Police Department by Interim Chief Kaleb Hackney (left) and Corporal Colton Gilbert.

By LOU ANTONELLI
Managing Editor

Brian Cobb of Johntown, a former Bogata Police Department Officer as well as Red River County Sheriff’s Deputy, has been hired by the City of Clarksville to be the police department’s new SRO (School Resource Officer).

Cobb started July 11 in the position that’s been vacant since the retirement of Darlena Simpock at the end of May 2017.

An advanced certified peace officer, Cobb will be working normal patrol duties until he attends an SRO training academy to be held in Tyler July 23-27 and receives his SRO certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

A native of the Dallas area and a 2000 Cedar Hill High School graduate, Cobb has worked 15 years in Red River County law enforcement.

He said he has enjoyed the occasions in the past he’s worked in school and he looks forward to serving with the Clarksville ISD during the coming school year.

Now going on

Ready to start

Clarksville Times Photo by Lou Antonelli

Dr. A.J. Hashmi reported Tuesday that the beginning of construction at Clarksville General Hospital is close enough that dirt work has begun, and employees were busy this week grading the site in preparation for the general contractor to move in.

CISD trustees pick superintendent

The Clarksville Independent School District Board of Trustees named Kermit D. Ward as the lone finalist for Superintendent at a special meeting on Monday, July 2.

Ward, who has over ten years experience as Principal in the Waco and Pflugerville schools most recently worked as Executive Principal/Asst. Superintendent at Faith Family Academy in Waco, will replace retiring Superintendent Dr. Pam Bryant. 

Mr. Ward will officially be named Superintendent after the required 21 day waiting period.  Trustees will vote on Ward’s contract during their regular meeting later in July.

CNC hosts annual fireworks show

By LOU ANTONELLI

Managing Editor

Plans are in place for another Clarksville 4^th of July Fireworks Show, to be held at the Clarksville Nursing Center (CNC) on Tuesday, July 3.

The CNC has hosted the annual community event for many years, notes Activity Director Fawna Boggs.

“Almost every business in town contributes in some way,” she said. “The businesses in Clarksville have supplied us with so many things we need.”

The nursing center on Baker Street is ground zero for the event, but it spreads throughout the adjacent area, and the Lindeman Family allows the celebration to use its vacant property nearby as the location for the fireworks set-up.

Every year people flock outside to see the fireworks, which start as soon as it is suitably dark. In addition to the immediate area, people sit and watch the display – which takes 45 minutes - from the town square and nearby neighborhoods.

Boggs points out the celebration has never actually been held on July 4^th, to make attendance  more convenient for people who may have other plans on that day.\

“People know it is always done early,” she said. “That way people can relax and make a whole evening of it.”

Many local musicians have volunteered to be the entertainment, which kicks off at 6 p.m.

The concessions will open at 5:30 p.m. Volunteers will be selling picnic foods – hot dogs, nachos, hot links and such, as well as drinks – as a fundraiser for the Family Council.

The money that’s raised will go towards buying Christmas gifts for CNC residents and stocking the Christmas store, said Boggs.

CNC residents also come outside and enjoy the event with the other members of the community. “We have lots of shade, and they always have a good time,” said Boggs.

The event, as always, is free and open to the public, and everyone is welcome.

“Bring a lawn chair and spend the evening with us!” said Boggs.